The US$120 Go FlyEase is Nike’s first hands-free shoe and has been praised for accessibility.
Users can put the shoes straight on, with no need to bend, stretch, or tie laces. Nike described that shoes in a statement as “sophisticated” and “accessible”.
Here’s a helpful gif if you’re having trouble visualising a stylish slip-on sneaker.
Nike has unveiled their first hands-free shoe: the Nike GO FlyEase. pic.twitter.com/FZeKDTPUcf
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) February 1, 2021
The shoe works through a bi-stable hinge, which Nike said “enables the shoe to be secure in fully open and fully closed states”.
They also contain a Nike GO FlyEase tensioner band, which “super-charges an action many might take for granted (kicking-off a shoe) and completely reimagines this movement as basis for accessible and empowering design”.
The design has recieved praise on Twitter, with users pointing out how the hands-free shoes will be especially useful for people and athletes with mobility issues.
Comedian and talk show host Jimmy Fallon has also revealed via Instagram that he pitched a hands-free sneaker called the “StepLock” to Nike in 2019. The Swoosh team then informed him that they had been working on a similar design for almost 20 years.
Initially, the GO FlyEase will only be available via invite for select Nike members. Broader consumer availability is planned for later this year.
Featured Image Credit: Nike
